CATHOLICOS DISCUSSES ARTSAKH CRISIS WITH EXPERTS

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the fifth online consultation on December 7, discussing crisis of Artsakh and the forcible displacement of its Armenian population with a group of experts.   

In attendance were Prof. Ashot Melkonian, Prof. Rupen Safrastian, Dr. Armen Maroukian, Dr. Vahram Balayan, Dr. Vicken Cheterian, Dr. Khatchig Der Ghougasian, Mr. Shahan Kandaharian, with Aharon Shekherdemian serving as the secretary.   

His Holiness provided a brief overview of his recent discussions with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives and congressmen. These meetings were focused on ensuring the collective return of Artsakh Armenians, emphasizing the necessity for international security guarantees associated with the return, and addressing broader principles concerning the protection of the rights of the people of Artsakh.   

Conference call participants also analyzed geopolitical and regional events, including statements from the head of the European and Eurasian Department of the US Department of State, his visit to Baku, the latest remarks of the President of Azerbaijan, and the unexpected announcement of early presidential elections in Azerbaijan.   

The meeting also included discussions regarding the preservation of spiritual heritage in Artsakh, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the legal and political measures for securing the release of political prisoners who are unlawfully held hostage in Azerbaijan.   

His Holiness called for coordinating efforts across Armenia and the Diaspora in the spiritual, political, diplomatic, legal, and informational realms in light of the new situation in Artsakh.